Beer On A Budget: Cheapest States For Beer Enthusiasts

The price of beer varies across the United States, with different states offering different prices. While some states offer cheaper beer, others have higher prices due to various factors such as taxes and fees. So, which state offers the best deal for beer lovers? Let's find out!

Illinois is the cheapest state for beer

Illinois' low beer prices are a boon for both retailers and customers. Jay Flores, a retailer at Rock Island Hyvee, expressed his pleasant surprise at the news, noting that it was unexpected given the state's circumstances. The low prices also attract customers from neighbouring states, with some willing to cross state lines to take advantage of the bargain prices.

The low cost of beer in Illinois can be partly attributed to the state's tax structure. Taxes play a significant role in the price fluctuations of beer across the country, and Illinois' tax rates appear to be favourable for keeping beer prices down. This is in contrast to states like Alaska, which has the highest beer prices in the country, with a 24-pack costing an average of $31.21.

While Illinois may offer the best value for beer enthusiasts, it's worth noting that the quality and variety of beer may vary. The study focused on popular domestic brands like Bud Light and Miller Lite, so craft beer enthusiasts may find that their preferred brews come at a higher cost. Nonetheless, for those looking to stock up on affordable beer, Illinois is the place to be.

Overall, Illinois' position as the cheapest state for beer is good news for drinkers and retailers alike. With prices significantly lower than the national average, Illinois offers a refreshing break from the higher prices found in other states. So, whether you're a local or a visitor, you can toast to the fact that Illinois keeps its beer prices low.

Alaska is the most expensive state for beer

When it comes to the cost of beer, Alaska is the most expensive state. A 24-pack of beer in Alaska costs an average of $31.21, according to a 2019 report by Simple Thrifty Living. This price is more than double the cheapest state, Illinois, where a case of beer averages $15.20. In 2024, the price of a case of beer in Alaska rose further to $33.62, according to Alcohol Delivered.

The high cost of beer in Alaska can be attributed to various factors, including transportation costs and taxes. Alaska's remote location and challenging terrain can make it more expensive to transport goods, including beer, to the state. Additionally, Alaska has a unique tax structure that can impact the cost of goods.

The Simple Thrifty Living report compared prices at national retailers across the United States, including Walmart and Total Wine & More. The data accounts for major domestic beer brands such as Bud Light and Miller Lite, rather than craft beer. The prices in the report do not include state taxes or other fees, such as recycling fees, which can further increase the cost of beer in Alaska.

The cost of beer can vary significantly from state to state, and Alaska stands out as the most expensive. This high cost of beer may be a factor for consumers to consider when purchasing beer or planning events involving alcoholic beverages. Additionally, it highlights the impact of taxes and other factors on the final price of goods.

Taxes play a big role in price differences

While the price of beer in a state depends on a variety of factors, taxes play a significant role in price fluctuations. Beer prices can vary by over $7 depending on the state, and taxes are a major contributor to this variation.

For example, Michigan, which has one of the cheapest beer taxes in the country, also has the cheapest beer prices, with an average cost of $14.62 per case. On the other hand, states with higher beer taxes, such as Tennessee, tend to have more expensive beer prices.

In addition to state taxes, other fees and charges can also impact the final price of beer. These include recycling fees, which vary by state, and can add to the overall cost of purchasing beer.

The method of purchase can also impact the price of beer due to taxes. For instance, using a credit card with cash-back benefits can help offset the cost of beer, especially in states with higher beer prices.

Furthermore, taxes are not the only factor influencing beer prices. The cost of living in a particular state can also impact beer prices, as higher costs of living may result in higher beer prices. For example, California, a state known for its high cost of living, has relatively low beer prices, which may be unexpected.

Overall, taxes play a crucial role in the price differences of beer across states, but other factors, such as fees, methods of purchase, and the cost of living, also contribute to the variation in beer prices.

Prices have risen in 2024 due to inflation

The price of beer is highly variable depending on the state you live in. As of 2019, the cheapest state to buy a case of beer was Illinois, with an average price of $15.20. However, prices have risen in 2024 due to inflation.

Inflation has hit the beer industry hard, with brewers facing increased costs for packaging, transportation, and raw ingredients. Beer prices rose by 5.9% in the 12 months through April 2023, and this figure has likely continued to climb as inflation persists. The cost of the grains used to make beer has increased, and fuel prices have made the delivery process more expensive. Additionally, there is currently a notable lack of access to cans, with breweries resorting to using stickers on blank cans, a method that is typically more costly.

The increase in beer prices is also influenced by the public perception of inflation. Large, publicly traded breweries have been transparent about their intention to take advantage of this perception to increase their profit margins. For example, Heineken's CFO told Fortune magazine that they plan to raise prices by "courageous" amounts to offset supply chain challenges.

While some states may have cheaper beer prices on average, it's important to consider the impact of inflation on these prices in 2024. The specific prices in each state may have changed since the 2019 data, and it's likely that prices have risen across the board due to the factors mentioned above.

Michigan is the second-cheapest state for beer

The variation in beer prices across the United States is largely due to differences in state alcohol taxes and regulations. The price of a common case of beer can vary by over $7 depending on the state, with Michigan offering a very affordable option for beer lovers.

The data on beer prices in Michigan was compiled by the deals site Simple Thrifty Living, which looked at the prices of Bud Light and Miller Lite, two popular domestic beer brands, at Walmart and Total Wine & More. The site checked prices at 10 different locations, both rural and urban, to get a representative sample for the state.

While Michigan may offer the second-cheapest beer in terms of average cost, it's worth noting that these prices may not reflect the cost of craft beers or other specialty brews. Michigan is known for its wide selection of quality craft beers, which are likely to be more expensive than the cheap 24-packs found at party stores. Nonetheless, for those looking to drink on a budget, Michigan is a great place to be!

So, if you're ever in Michigan and are looking to save some money on your beer, you can rest assured that you're in one of the most affordable states for this beloved beverage.

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